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Your home’s AC unit is obviously responsible for cooling your home, but it also performs the important task of regulating humidity inside and making sure your home doesn’t feel muggy inside.
The process of removing this moisture from the air results in excess water, or condensation, which leaves your home by way of a pipe known as the drain line. If this pipe backs up or clogs, there can be serious issues ranging from damage to your AC unit, excess water in the form of mold or water leaks and/or an improperly functioning system.
Our company is based right here in the Bay Area, and we have been serving the HVAC needs of people in Concord and the surrounding areas for many years. Our professional techs excel in quickly diagnosing and correcting issues with heating systems, air conditioning units and ventilation systems to ensure our clients can be comfortable in their homes.
Today, we’ll examine why an AC unit’s drain line clogs, what can happen when it does and what our process to correct the issue looks like. If you have a clogged drain, our team has the know-how to get your system up and running again quickly.
The reasons for a clog in the drain line can differ, but the most common problem we see is a buildup of dirt and debris in the line. When water condensates, it builds up in a pan below the unit and eventually flows out through the drain line. Sometimes, debris can also find its way into the pan, whether it’s just dust or dirt or even insulation if the unit is in an attic, and this debris can eventually cause a clog.
Since this line carries water and moisture from the home, it’s a perfect breeding ground for mold, and the combination of mold and debris can easily clog the line.
When a drain line is clogged, water backs up in the pan and eventually it can lead to bad odors from this stagnant water or the water could even overflow, causing damage to the area around the unit. If left unchecked, this can lead to mold growth and/or severe damage to wood and drywall.
Usually the AC unit has an automatic shutoff function when water in the pan gets too high, so in the best case the water would remain contained. Even still, you’ll want to get your unit up and running again to keep your home comfortable.
In order to prevent a potential drain line clog, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC system regularly inspected. In addition to checking the drain line, a technician can give the entire system a checkup and correct any existing issues. We have found people who routinely have their system checked can expect their units to last much longer and save a lot more money in the long run.
If your HVAC system has stopped working, you smell a moldy odor and/or you’re feeling the humidity in your home increase, you might have a drain line clog. If so, give us a call today and we will be happy to help!
